Free Speech
THE SHELF / 3 essential reads on Julian Assange’s impact on journalism
With news of his newfound freedom making headlines, many may struggle to recall the original charges against him and the debates he sparked on free speech and journalistic practices
Julian Assange’s release: Exposing the craven media stable
The WikiLeaks project was always going to put various noses out of joint in the journalistic profession.
4 books that explore press freedom
Here are four books that explore the stories of journalists, and the issues surrounding press freedom.
Hopes, disappointments and this year’s Ekushey Boi Mela
"I don’t believe that we will get redress from the government in this matter. The only way out is a total reform of the state": Altaf Parvez, writer and researcher.
How can breaching citizens’ privacy be lawful?
We should be concerned about the deployment of surveillance tech without any judicial oversight
EVENT / Journalists need regular salaries, institutional support, says Nadeem Qadir at book launch
Qadir’s book includes insight on the origins and evolution of journalism in Bangladesh, firsthand experiences of journalists who have struggled and resigned from large media houses, research and case studies, and proposed solutions.
On free speech and Milton’s 'Areopagitica'
Milton shows how the erroneous use of censorship laws have hindered progress even in the quest for scientific truth.
BOOK NEWS / ULAB Literary Salon to discuss freedom of speech today
Writers of both fiction and non-fiction have come under increasing pressure and censorship across South Asia. To discuss these issues, the fifth ULAB Lit Salon brings together a diverse group of experts drawn from policy and its practice, publishing, and media.
‘Walkman Syndrome’ afflicts the AL and our government
Nothing but their own voices reaches them
I have every right to return to my country: Taslima Nasrin
Ever so outspoken, ever so controversial – Taslima Nasrin has continued to advocate for free speech over the years, even after she was forced to leave Bangladesh in 1994.
Rights watchers slam Myanmar’s ban on protests in biggest city
Human rights monitors urge Myanmar to withdraw a ban on protests in its largest city, Yangon, amid fears that free speech is under pressure under the government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi.
Blogger Rajib murder: Death for 2 confirmed
The High Court confirms death for two people and different terms in jail for six others for killing blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider. The two death row convicts -- Redwanul Azad Rana, Faisal Bin Nayem alias Dweep -- were students of a private university.
Another threat to free speech?
Bangladesh Law Commission has drafted proposals for a law to criminalise the distortion or denial of any documents or events connected with our Liberation War.
Blogger Oyasiqur killing: 5 Ansarullah men to be charged, says DMP
Detectives will submit charge sheet against five members of Ansarullah Bangla Team and several unknown persons in blogger Oyasiqur Rahman killing case.
Protect bloggers, prosecute those targeting free speech: HRW
Human Rights Watch urges Bangladesh government to declare an unequivocal commitment to free speech instead of proposing self-censorship.
UN chief, EU condemn Niloy killing
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and European Union delegation to Bangladesh condemn the killing of Bangladeshi blogger Niladri Chattopadhyay Niloy.
Failure to stop bloggers' killers frustrates people
With the fifth murder of a blogger spreading a wave of frustration among the general public, The Daily Star talked to people on the Dhaka University campus today to know what they were thinking about the situation.
UN experts urge probe into blogger Niladri killing
United Nations’ experts on freedom of expression condemn the killing of Bangladesh blogger Niladri Chattopadhyay.
UK, EU condemn blogger Ananta murder
United Kingdom and European Union have strongly condemned the brutal murder of Ananta Bijoy Das, blogger and organiser of local Gonojagoron Mancha in Sylhet.